Mass dismissal of Saudi-backed recruits sparks unrest on Najran front

NAJRAN, May 19 (YPA) – The Najran front has witnessed a major escalation after nearly 500 recruits and officers affiliated with forces loyal to Saudi Arabia were reportedly dismissed and stripped of their weapons following demands for unpaid financial entitlements.

According to informed sources, Salafi commander Raddad Al-Hashemi, leader of the so-called “Fourth Division of the “Emergency Forces” backed by Saudi Arabia, ordered the expulsion of the recruits and barred them from entering military camps after they protested the suspension of their salaries and dues, which sources say have been halted for nearly 18 months.

The sources added that the recruits were disarmed under accusations of “incitement” and refusing military orders, while Al-Hashemi—who reportedly oversees the division from his residence in Najran—refused to release their payments and allegedly ordered the detention of dozens of protesting members.

Furthermore, reports indicate that the dispute extended beyond active personnel, with claims that the financial rights of dead and wounded fighters who served on the Najran front were also withheld.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Al-Hashemi, brother of the division commander, reportedly described the protesting recruits as “traitors” and “hypocrites,” most of whom are said to be from Taiz, amid accusations that efforts are underway to replace them with recruits from hardline Salafi factions.

These developments come in the wake of growing unrest among recruits stationed on the Saudi border fronts. Similar protests have also reportedly erupted within the so-called “Second Emergency Division” in the Allab axis on the Asir front, where fighters accuse commanders of withholding salaries and financial entitlements for nearly two years.